MacLean brings a diverse breadth of experience to the role with more than two decades of leadership in the game industry to her credit, having previously served as the programming director of games at AOL, the vice president and general manager of games at Comcast Interactive Media, the CEO of 38 Studios, and the President of StoryArc Media.

MacLean will closely collaborate with the IGDA’s board of directors to support creators worldwide in their pursuit of a sustainable, fulfilling career in game development.

MacLean has already spotlighted one major issue facing game developers that she plans on making a focus.

“With hundreds of higher education institutions around the world offering game development courses, online resources enabling enthusiasts to teach themselves, and an explosion of independent studios, it is now easier to become a game developer than at any point in the history of our craft,” MacLean says. “At the same time, with the massive amount of content released on PC, mobile devices, and even consoles, it has never been more difficult for game developers to succeed in their chosen pursuit. The IGDA must take a leadership position in empowering developers to succeed through connecting them to peers, resources, and opportunities in their local communities and around the world.”

MacLean has been a member of the IGDA since 2000 and served on its board of directors for three years. In addition to her work with the IGDA, MacLean has been the managing director of the IGDA Foundation for more than a year, working to support a more inclusive industry, with the ultimate goal of enabling every person in the world to find joy in games.

“Jen’s experiences in game development, managing the IGDA Foundation, and serving as a member of the IGDA Board of Directors make her uniquely suited to lead the association into a new era,” says David Stelzer, the Chair of the IGDA Board of Directors and manager of Business Development and Engine Licensing at Epic Games for the Americas and Australia. “Her understanding of our industry and commitment to our craft will be invaluable for expanding the value of the IGDA for individual game developers, studio affiliates, and partners.”

The IGDA’s board of directors will continue its search for a permanent replacement, to be named sometime in Q2 2018.

Assets

About the International Game Developers Association (IGDA)

In its 23rd year, the International Game Developers Association is the largest non-profit membership organization serving individuals who create games. The association exists to advance the careers and enhance the lives of game developers by connecting members with their peers, promoting professional development, and advocating on issues that affect the developer community.